Surface support station

ABSTRACT

An all purpose surface support station for use in dive applications having an inflatable bladder for floating the station, a screw-in type anchor for docking the station, removable pockets for storing dive equipment, and a cover that can store dive equipment, protect the bladder and, upon deflation of the bladder, is also used as a device for transporting dive equipment to and from the dive site.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/984,089, filed Oct. 31, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a surface support station for SCUBA diving,and more particularly to a combination visual surface signal device andequipment storage, having removable pockets, an auger-style anchor, anda removable inflatable bladder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dive floats are positioned on the surface of the water above the areawhere SCUBA and skin divers are located. The dive float acts as a visualsignaling device to alert boaters and others that there are diversunderneath the water in the vicinity of the dive float.

The problems of current dive floats are that they are cumbersome andgenerally only suitable as a surface signaling device. Present divefloats are ‘towed’ at the surface by the diver underwater during thedive. This creates a problem when the diver needs to access additionalequipment that was left on the shore or boat. Current designs forinner-tube based dive floats are such that they are inflated prior toarrival and must be carried to a dive site. This configuration iscumbersome in conjunction with the other dive gear.

Dive floats are also used to attach a dive line or reel between the divefloat and the diver or the dive float and an underwater surface. Theline is capable of being anchored when the diver desires to have bothhands free. The diver will often anchor the dive float once thedestination has been reached, and the dive float will stay relativelyclose. A line is normally affixed to the float such that the diver cantow the float as they are underwater.

An anchor may be embedded into the underwater surface and affixed to thedive float via the dive line to keep the dive float stationary. However,current anchors are either burdensome or non-effective in properlysecuring the dive float. The problems with underwater surfaces are thatthey are mostly sand or silt based. Usually a heavily weighted device isused as an anchor in these substrates, however heavy anchors are notdesirable for diving. Therefore there is a need for a lightweight anchorspecifically designed for these type of locations. Current screw-in typeanchors (such as dog tie-outs) are designed for use on above watersurfaces made from a hard-packed material. These type of screw-inanchors fail in underwater applications due to their lack of surfacearea. Therefore, there is a need for a screw-in type anchor where thesurface area of the auger plates hold the loose material on top of theaugers keeping the anchor within the substrate for underwaterapplications.

Currently, dive equipment is either brought underwater with the diver orleft on the shore or boat. If the equipment is too heavy or cannot gounderwater due to pressure limitations it is left at the surface eitheron a boat or on the shore. When diving from shore almost all safetyequipment is stored on the shore whether in a vehicle or at the watersedge. The longer it takes to access this equipment the less chance thevictim has to recover. Therefore, a device for storing safety and otherdive equipment in close proximity to the diver is desired.

Therefore, a dive float that is portable is desired.

Further, a dive float having a removable, inflatable bladder is desired.

Yet further, an anchor that is both portable and suitable for diveapplications is needed.

Even further, a dive float containing removable pouches for holding diveequipment is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form, the invention is a surface support station for providing avisual signal of divers in the vicinity of the surface support station.The surface support station includes an inflatable bladder that can bequickly deflated or inflated with the use of standard diving equipment.The inflatable bladder is removable from the surface support stationcover. The cover further includes connections for removable pockets thatcan store diving equipment. The surface support station further includesa connection for a dive line that may be attached to the diver oranchored to an underwater surface. The surface support station alsocontains pockets that are attached and removed according to the diver'sneeds. In one embodiment these pockets are attached to the diver'sbuoyancy compensator to take additional gear underwater.

The invention further includes an anchor that easily and securelyattaches to an underwater surface. The anchor is connected to thesurface support station by a dive line that may be removed from theanchor and affixed to a diver.

An advantage of the present invention is that the surface supportstation is portable and when collapsed or deflated it becomes a compactcarrying sling. The surface support station can be carried by a singleperson to a dive site.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the inflatablebladder is almost instantly deflatable allowing for ease of exit fromthe water. The deflated bladder is stored in the sling and is suitablefor one handed carrying.

An even further advantage of the present invention is that the removablepockets are easily removed from the surface support station and affixedto the diver.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the anchor is bothlight weight, to allow transportation to the dive site, and capable ofbeing sufficiently embedded in an underwater surface to sustain thesurface support station or other divers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is disclosed with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of the surface support station containing aninflated bladder according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a top view of the surface support station containing aninflated bladder according to the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the surface support station containing aninflated bladder according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a folded cover after the bladder has beendeflated according to the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a back view of a pocket according to the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a front view of a pocket according to the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a front view of a pocket with an open flap according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 4A is a top view of an inflated bladder according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 4B is a side view of an inflated bladder according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 4C is a side view of a deflated bladder according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an anchor according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a view of the surface support station with anchor.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The example(s) set out hereinillustrate(s) [one/several] embodiment(s) of the invention but shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, there is shown the surface support station 10of the present invention. The surface support station includes aninflatable bladder (not shown) having an inflation valve and a quickdeflate valve, a removable cover 11 having a plurality of handles and atleast one clipping point, removable pockets 12 for storing diveequipment, and, in one embodiment an anchor (not shown).

A standard dive flag can be affixed to the float using a standardbracket found at most dive retailers. In another embodiment, the surfacesupport station has an attachment point for affixing a dive flag. Thefloat is colored in a way to resemble a dive flag such that isparticular areas a separate dive flag is not required.

The removable cover houses the inflatable bladder. The cover is madefrom any material suitable for dive applications. In one embodiment thecover is made from Cordura for improved durability. The inflatablebladder is placed into the cover prior to inflation. The bladder is theninflated by the diver prior to entering the water. In one embodiment anadapter for the buoyancy compensator inflator is used to inflate thebladder from a dive tank. In an alternative embodiment, a handheldpressurized canister is used to inflate the bladder. The bladder openingis then sealed to secure the inflatable bladder within the cover. In oneembodiment a zipper 14 is used to seal the bladder opening.Alternatively, the bladder opening is sealed by a hook and loopfastener.

A retaining strap 15 extends around the circumference of the cover 11.The retaining strap 15 is affixed to the cover 11 to support the weightof the removable pockets 12. The removable pockets 12 are then affixedto the retaining strap 15. In one embodiment the retaining strap 15 issewed onto the cover 11, however, the retaining strap 15 can be affixedin any suitable way to the cover 11 such that the pockets 12 aresupported. Referring to FIG. 2, the retaining strap 15 also forms twohandles 21 for easy carrying of the cover 11 when deflated. In oneembodiment the retention strap is a 2 inch wide nylon strap and isstitched directly to the cover 11. It is understood that the retainingstrap may extend around the entire circumference of the cover or justportions of the cover and may be in any orientation that supports theremovable pockets.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, the removable pockets 12 come in variousshapes, sizes and aspect ratios to hold different types of equipment.Particular pockets are capable of being removed from the cover andattached to a standard dive suit. In an alternative embodiment thepockets are permanently affixed to the cover.

The pockets can either be waterproof or contain grommets 31 to allow forwater drainage. The pockets are useful for storing items such as: sparemasks, spare snorkels, save a dive kits, CPR masks, dive slates, waterbottles, dry boxes, extra weights, spare flashlights, first aid kits,and cameras.

The pockets are affixed to the cover. The pockets can be secured to thestrap by any suitable means. In one embodiment, the pockets are wrappedaround the retention strap and secured by at least one hook and loopstrap 32. In an alternative embodiment, the pockets are secured bybutton snaps. In another embodiment the pockets are designed to holdspecific pieces of equipment and are labeled as such on the exterior ofthe pocket. The pockets are designed to hold the most common divinggear, which can be left behind due to lack of storage in close proximityto the diver. The ability for divers to carry extra gear and safetyequipment enables safer and more enjoyable dives.

As shown in FIGS. 3B-3C, the pockets are closable to ensure the contentsstay within the pocket. In one embodiment the pocket is securely closedby the use of hook and loop fasteners. It is understood that the pocketcan be secured by any suitable closing device such as, hook and loopfasteners, snaps, buttons, zippers, draw cords, elastic closures or thelike.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1C, the cover 11 further contains aplurality of clipping points 16 for towing equipment. In one embodimentthe clipping point is a D-ring, which is a metal or plastic closed ringin the shape of a letter D. The clipping points 16 are useful forattaching clipping devices, such as carabineers, to the cover. Theclipping points 16 allow for the attachment of a dive line or diveequipment. In one embodiment the clipping points 16 are positioned onthe bottom of the cover for easy access while diving. Anything equipmentthat the diver desires to bring to the dive site and not bringunderwater can be attached to the clipping points 16. This equipmentalso includes anything that does not fit into a pocket and can have aclip attached for affixation to the clipping points 16.

Referring to FIG. 2, two handles 21 are affixed to the cover 11 suchthat when the cover is folded the cover 11 may be carried by the handles21. The handles 21 may be affixed directly to the cover 11 or to theretaining strap. The inflatable bladder, anchor and additional diveequipment can then be stored in the removable cover for easy transportto and from the dive site. The diver can place any items that do not fitinto the pockets in the cover once folded. Additionally, upon leavingthe dive site the diver can use the cover to carry any items foundunderwater. The removable pockets can remain attached to the cover foreasy transportation.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, in use the surface support station is keptafloat by an inflatable bladder 40. In one embodiment the inflatablebladder 40 is an inner tube. The standard size inner tube used fordiving has an outside diameter of 27 inches, an inside diameter of 15inches, and a width of 7.5 inches. The inflatable bladder 40 can beinflated by use of a standard TR-13 valve 41. The inflatable bladder canbe inflated by utilizing a fitting that attaches to the divers buoyancycompensator inflator hose. Alternatively, a portable CO₂ inflator can beused to inflate the bladder. Generally, the bladder is filled to about35 to 50 psi.

The inflatable bladder can be quickly deflated by use of a standard dumpvalve 42 to reduce the size for transportation as shown in FIGS. 4B and4C. In an alternative embodiment, the inflatable bladder is anon-removable bladder that is integral to the cover. Referring again toFIG. 2, the cover 11 can then be folded in half to store equipment, andallow for easy transportation of equipment from the dive site. At leastone Grommet 23 is installed in the bottom of the cover to allow water todrain from the cover and equipment. Once the bladder is deflated thecover can be folded and transported by a single user by grasping thehandles

In one embodiment the surface support station is a diver awarenessstation having a cover with at least two handle, a retention strap atleast one station clipping point; at least one grommet; and a sealablebladder opening; at least one removable pocket affixed to the retentionstrap for storing dive equipment; and an inflatable bladder positionedwithin the cover that is removable through the sealable bladder opening,the inflatable bladder having an inflation valve and a quick deflationvalve.

In use the surface support station can be anchored to an underwatersurface. Referring to FIG. 5, the anchor 50 can be used to keep thefloat in position or may be used for the training of new divers. Newdiving students must demonstrate a controlled emergency swimming ascent.This is done with a vertical control line that is buoyed to the surfacesupport station. This line must be secure enough to enable an instructorto stop a student's ascent at any time by grasping the line whileholding the student. In one embodiment the anchor is in communicationwith a clipping point on the surface support station. The anchor havinga center shaft, an anchor clipping point at one end of the center shaftfor attaching a Line from the clipping point and at least one helicalauger extending outward from the center shaft.

The anchor 50 provides sufficient force to allow for the training of newdivers. The anchor is made from a rigid material. An anchor clippingpoint 51 is located at one end of the center shaft 53. In one embodimentthe affixation point is in the shape of a triangle. The anchor clippingpoint 51 allows for the attachment of a dive line to connect to thesurface support station 10. The line can be affixed by use of clips thatform a quick release function. In one embodiment the bottom end of theanchor 50 is sharpened to ease in the penetration of underwatersurfaces. A plurality of augers plates 52 are positionedcircumferentially around the rod in a slightly helical shape. In oneembodiment, the auger plates 52 are positioned at least 3 inches apartalong the rod. In another embodiment at least two auger plats areseparated lengthwise on the center shaft by at least 2 inches. In analternative embodiment a single auger plate making at least two fullrevolutions is utilized. For improved retention force, the helicalshaped augurs complete at least two full revolutions around the centershaft, whether as a single auger or a plurality of augers. In oneembodiment the auger plates 52 have a diameter of about 6 inches and thelength of the anchor is about 14 inches. The helical shape allows for adiver to screw the anchor into an underwater surface. Similarly, thediver can unscrew the anchor to remove it from the underwater surface.As numerous materials are susceptible to damage in underwaterapplications, the anchor is made from a durable material, such as 316stainless steel.

While the invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from thescope of the invention.

Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated forcarrying out this invention, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

1. A surface support station comprising: a cover having a plurality ofhandles and at least one clipping point; a bladder having an inflationvalve and a quick deflation valve; and at least one pocket incommunication with said cover for storing dive equipment.
 2. The surfacesupport station of claim 1 her comprising an anchor in communicationwith said clipping point, said anchor comprising: a center shaft; ananchor clipping point at one end of the center shaft for attaching aline from the clipping point to said anchor clipping point; at least onehelical auger extending outward from the center shaft.
 3. The surfacesupport station of claim 2 wherein the helical auger completes at leasttwo full rotations around the center shaft.
 4. The surface supportstation of claim 2 wherein at least one helical auger is two helicalaugers separated lengthwise on the center shaft by at least 2 inches. 5.The surface support station of claim 2 wherein said anchor furthercomprises a sharpened end at the end of the center shaft opposite theanchor clipping point.
 6. The surface support station of claim 1 whereinsaid cover is colored to resemble a dive flag.
 7. The surface supportstation of claim 1 wherein said cover, upon deflation of the bladder,can be folded and transported by a single user by grasping the pluralityof handles.
 8. The surface support station of claim 1 wherein said coverfurther comprises at least one grommet.
 9. The surface support stationof claim 1 wherein at least one pocket is a waterproof pocket.
 10. Thesurface support station of claim 1 wherein at least one pocket furthercomprises a grommet.
 11. The surface support station of claim 1 whereinat least one pocket is affixed to said cover.
 12. The surface supportstation of claim 1 further comprising a retention strap affixed to saidcover, wherein at least one pocket is removably attached to theretention strap.
 13. The surface support station of claim 1 wherein atleast one pocket is capable of being attached to a standard dive suit.14. A diver awareness station comprising: a cover comprising; aplurality of handles; a retention strap; at least one station clippingpoint; at least one grommet; and a sealable bladder opening; at leastone removable pocket affixed to the retention strap capable of storingdive equipment; an inflatable bladder positioned within said cover thatis removable through the sealable bladder opening, wherein theinflatable bladder has an inflation valve and a quick deflation valve;15. The diver awareness station of claim 14 wherein at least oneremovable pocket is affixed the retention strap by looping hook and loopfasteners on the removable pocket around the retention strap andcontacting the hook and loop fasteners.
 16. The diver awareness stationof claim 14 further comprising an anchor in communication with saidclipping point, said anchor comprising: a center shaft; an anchorclipping point at one end of the center shaft for attaching a line fromthe station clipping point to the anchor clipping point; at least onehelical auger extending outward from the center shaft.
 17. The diverawareness station of claim 14 further comprising a dive flag attachmentpoint.
 18. The diver awareness station of claim 14 wherein saidinflatable bladder is an inner tube.
 19. The diver awareness station ofclaim 14 wherein the sealable bladder opening further comprises azipper.
 20. The diver awareness station of claim 16 wherein, upondeflating the inflatable bladder and folding the cover, said anchor isstored on the cover such that a single diver is capable of transportingthe cover, inflatable bladder, and anchor by grasping the plurality ofhandles.